Andrew Ridgeley, Shirlie Holliman and Pepsi De Macque took to the stage at London’s O2 Arena to introduce Coldplay frontman Chris Martin’s performance of George’s A Different Corner.

Chris performed while images of George flashed up behind him and at one stage, video of George singing was combined with Chris' own vocals to make it seem like they were duetting.

Another late singer, Prince, also appeared on screen.

“On Christmas Day 2016, the greatest singer songwriter of his generation, an icon of his era, George Michael, was lost,” said Andrew.

Chris Martin performed a tribute to the late pop legend (Image: Getty Images)

“A supernova in the shining stars had been extinguished and it felt like the sky had fallen in.”

Andrew went on to recall the days of 1971 when he and George would “lark around” recording songs in George’s bedroom, wedged between a drum kit, a keyboard and an old cassette.

“Those innocent moments became the seed from which his amazing and enthralling showmanship evolved,” he continued.

“Careless Whisper was the song that got us signed and signposted George’s future; the song that glimpsed his extraordinary talent and the song that launched him as a solo artist.”

Shirlie then said: “One of my strongest memories is George and I walking to the post box and sending in big brown envelopes to record companies the boys’ first demo cassettes. Sadly they were all returned a few weeks later with a letter saying no thank you. However, of course, it was their loss. Fortunately one up and coming record label decided to give the boys a chance.”

Pepsi then shared her memories of the late icon, saying she always knew he was destined to be a “star in his own right.”

Fadi Fawaz and George Michael

“On tour we would watch him sing, his voice was stunning, pitch perfect and his performances spell binding.”

She had to fight back tears as she thanked Wham! for “changing her life”, saying: “These three amazing friends took me into their fold and there was so much laughter, fun and kindness. They were truly wonderful times and I will always cherish them.”

Shirlie Holliman of Pepsi and Shirlie cries during a tribute to late British singer (Image: AFP)

“George wrote from the heart and his own experiences,” she continued, “and his many fans have shared with me how his music changed their lives. His ability and desire to strike a chord and touch people, not only through his words and music, but in his actions, too, was perhaps unique.”

Shirlie took over to speak about George’s charity work, much of went largely unknown until his death on Christmas Day.

“His generosity gifted so many people a chance to improve their lives,” she said.

(Image: Getty Images)

Pepsi added: “He understood love, loss, happiness and grief, and that helped heal the wounds life inflicted on us. He lives on in his music and our hearts, and I will never forget my wonderful friend.”

A tearful Shirlie said: “George was like a brother to me and I will always be so proud of his incredible achievements. I remember him telling me with great pride that You Have Been Loved was one of Princess Diana’s favourite songs. His wonderful way with words spoke to everyone and his beautiful voice will live on forever as a gift to us all.”

Andrew concluded their tribute by saying: “George has left for us in his songs, the transcendental beauty of his voice and poetic expression of his soul, the very best of himself. I loved him and in turn we have been loved.”

He then introduced Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to the stage, saying: “To give voice to that which stands as George’s eternal eulogy, one of the finest singer songwriters of his generation, Chris Martin.”